denitia and sene., Congo Sanchez feat. Jeffrey "Congo" Franca (drummer of Thievery Corporation)

At a time when the idea of "alternative R&B" has become the genre-defying norm, when hip hop and EDM and house music and indie-rock have all started to sound mysteriously the same, the chilled-out, futuristic soul vibes of Brooklyn electro pop duo denitia and sene make a perfect kind of sense. Formed in 2011, the Brooklyn-based group has released one full-length (2013's His and Hers), a handful of singles, and two EPs (2012's Blah Blah Blah and 2014's side fx)—all of which show off the band's ability to move seamlessly between pure pop, subdued electronica, and slinky R&B with a sound that brings to mind everything from Massive Attack, The Fugees, or the shadowy late-night atmospherics of The XX. The pairing of powerhouse vocalist Denitia and production whiz and beat-maker Sene is a kind of perfect musical union—a complimentary collision of personalities and musical sensibilities that makes for next level perfect pop.


"The evolution of this ensemble has happened naturally over the past year and a half. Having captivated audiences from coast to coast, and finished up their first full length record, it is clear that Congo, Haile and Flex are on the rise as a cutting edge musical force. The influences in the music are quite diverse. Congo's time as the drummer for Thievery Corporation has clearly had an affect on his ears as he continues to explore the downtempo, reggae mezcla, with an obvious hip-hop overtone to the over all musical composition. You will be taken through an array of sounds and rhythms, paying homage to the roots of music with thick layers of percussion, signature to the Congo Sanchez sound. Most importantly the band puts out a conscious message which is typically non existent in most of the music we hear these days."

"Dealin' With This," the first full length from Congo Sanchez is an amalgamation of musical influences symbiotically continuing the unique sound achieved by producer and creator Jeffrey James Franca AKA "Congo." The album features the vocal talents of band members Flex Mathews and Haile Supreme, as well as special guests Mr. Lif, Ras Nebyu, and Brittany Tanner. You will even hear a small choir of the bands nieces and nephews featured on the opening cut, "Gentrified Children." Each song tells a different story touching on the real life experiences of the band. From the perils of life on the road, broken hearts and dreams, to deceased family members and political protest pieces, "Dealin' with this" takes it there in all directions. A refreshing, relatable presentation of word and sound, with a relevant, thought provoking message.